Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)

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Maintaining good oral hygiene practices are not just important for the health of your teeth and gums, it is also important for your overall health. There is a strong link between your oral health and your general health. Poor oral health can lead to serious conditions. In order to avoid the development of these issues, it is crucial that you maintain a good oral hygiene regimen consisting of regular brushing and flossing as well as professional teeth cleanings at our Northern Virginia general dentistry office.

Teeth grinding, also called bruxism, is often viewed as a harmless, though annoying, habit. Some people develop bruxism from an inability to deal with stress or anxiety.

However, teeth grinding can literally transform your bite relationship and worse, severely damage your teeth and jaws over long periods of time.

Teeth grinding can cause abrasion to the chewing surfaces of your teeth. This abnormal wear and tear will prematurely age and loosen your teeth, and open them to problems such as hypersensitivity (from the small cracks that form, exposing your dentin). Bruxism can also lead to chronic jaw and facial pain, as well as headaches.

If no one has told you that you grind your teeth, here are a few clues that you may suffer from bruxism:

Your jaw is often sore, or you hear popping sounds when you open and close your mouth.

Your teeth look abnormally short or worn down.

You notice small dents in your tongue.

Bruxism is somewhat treatable. A common therapy involves use of a special appliance worn while sleeping. Less intrusive, though just as effective methods could involve biofeedback, and behavior modification, such as tongue exercises and learning how to properly align your tongue, teeth and lips.